Cesar Apolinario of GMA News is MMFF best director

First-time director and GMA News reporter Cesar Apolinario beat the likes of Joey Reyes and Joel Lamangan for the Best Director award for his debut film Banal in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night Saturday. Unlike the past years, the MMFF finished in a record-breaking less than one-hour presentation held earlier tonight, January 5, at SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. The winners were immediately announced without mentioning the nominees. This is to give way to Lani Misalucha's concert afterwards. Imus Productions' Resiklo bagged the Best Picture trophy, while Star Cinema's Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo and M-ZET/Octo Arts Films' Enteng Kabisote 4 were adjudged 2nd and 3rd Best Pictures, respectively. Senator Jinggoy Estrada, meanwhile, won as Best Actor for his comeback vehicle, Katas ng Saudi. Bahay Kubo's Maricel Soriano was adjudged Best Actress, but the Diamond Star was not able to accept her trophy because she is in the United States with her two sons. Bahay Kubo's Eugene Domingo and Resiklo's Roi Vinzon, meanwhile, were awarded Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor honors, respectively. Here are the other winners: Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award - (tie) Bahay Kubo and Katas ng Saudi Gender Sensitivity Award - Desperadas Best Child Performer - Nash Aguas (Shake, Rattle & Roll 9) Best Screenplay - Joey Reyes (Katas ng Saudi) Best Editing - Resiklo Best Cinematography - Resiklo Best Music - Bahay Kubo - Philippine Entertainment Portal